Full Active Directory implementation is expected to take place over several phases:

Phase 1

Common login, using your Internet ID and password for your computer. Also, network drives, where you can store your most important files, and share them with others in your group. We will standardize some desktop configurations, and apply encryption to laptops. This phase is the largest effort, as we put in place the technology that will support the later phases.

Phase 2

System/software patch management. This will help keep Windows and certain software (Firefox, Adobe Reader, Flash) updated and patched. Centralized patch management will help protect the campus from major, known vulnerabilities with little to no impact to the user.

Phase 3

Centrally-managed computers, including remote assistance and remote support services. If you call the Helpdesk with a problem, they will be able to do remote troubleshooting and support. This may help reduce response time, and assist faculty and staff at off-campus locations (assuming a University VPN connection.)

Phase 4

Virtual desktops, and roaming profiles (where appropriate.) While virtualization isn’t for everyone, it will be particularly valuable for faculty and staff who frequently use the computer labs or classroom computers. However, roaming profiles will allow users to bring program settings and other profile-related information with them, to any AD-connected computer. This effectively means you’ll have the “same computer” from any location on campus.

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The University of Minnesota, Morris is a public liberal arts University that provides a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education, preparing its students to be global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship.